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Patient Care Technician

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UPMC

3mo ago

Applications are closed

  • Job
    Full-time
    Junior (1-2 years)
  • Pittsburgh

Requirements

  • High school diploma or equivalent.
  • Must also have either a) 1 Year of general healthcare experience, OR b) 6 months of experience as UPMC Nursing Assistant/CNA with PCT competency achieved within 120 days of hire/transfer/promotion, OR c) enrollment in PT/OT/PA program or related healthcare training program with completion of at least one clinical rotation, OR d) completion of a bachelor's degree in a health sciences field.
  • Successful completion of UPMC patient care technician class
  • Successful completion of basic information system training.
  • Microcomputer experience preferred.
  • Ability to effectively communicate both orally and in writing.
  • Emergency Medical Technician (EMT)or Paramedic or currently enrolled in an EMT or Paramedic program preferred.
  • Access to medications is limited to the distribution of the medication to the nurse.
  • CPR required based on AHA standards that include both a didactic and skills demonstration component within 30 days of hire
  • ACLS preferred
  • Basic Life Support (BLS) OR Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR)
  • Act 34

Responsibilities

  • Assist with patient procedures and daily living activities.
  • Support physical, respiratory, and cardiopulmonary therapies.
  • Provide feedback to the RN and report changes in patient status.
  • Perform core nursing assistant tasks (blood glucose, weights, vital signs, I&O, specimen collections, Foley care) and at least four of the following: phlebotomy, 12-lead EKG, simple dressing, Foley catheter removal, point of care testing, bladder scan, straight catheter, or IV catheter removal.
  • Report equipment malfunctions and communicate effectively with other departments.
  • Contribute to unit activities (responding to call lights, passing meal trays, transporting patients).
  • Receive and act on feedback, identify learning needs, and participate in self-review.
  • Provide patient and family instruction under RN direction; apply, monitor, and remove restraints as needed.
  • Adhere to all patient care policies and safety procedures.
  • Document in medical records and perform clerical functions as needed.
  • Support department projects and quality initiatives.
  • Licensure, Certifications, and Clearances:
  • CPR required based on AHA standards that include both a didactic and skills demonstration component within 30 days of hire
  • CPR required based on AHA standards that include both a didactic and skills demonstration component within 30 days of hire ACLS preferred
  • Basic Life Support (BLS) OR Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR)
  • Act 34

FAQs

What is the role of a Patient Care Technician (PCT) in the 3B Step-Down Unit?

The Patient Care Technician in the 3B Step-Down Unit at UPMC St. Margaret is responsible for assisting with patient procedures and daily living activities, supporting various therapies, performing core nursing assistant tasks, documenting in medical records, and contributing to unit activities, all while ensuring the highest standards of patient care.

What qualifications are required for the Patient Care Technician position?

Candidates must have a high school diploma or equivalent and one of the following: 1 year of general healthcare experience, 6 months of UPMC Nursing Assistant/CNA experience with PCT competency achieved within 120 days, enrollment in a related healthcare training program with clinical rotation completed, or a bachelor's degree in a health sciences field.

Is there any additional training required after being hired?

Yes, successful completion of the UPMC patient care technician class and basic information system training are required. Additionally, CPR certification based on AHA standards must be completed within 30 days of hire.

Are there any preferred qualifications for this position?

Yes, preferred qualifications include microcomputer experience, being an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) or Paramedic, or currently being enrolled in an EMT or Paramedic program.

What are the responsibilities of a Patient Care Technician regarding patient care?

Responsibilities include assisting with patient procedures, supporting therapies, performing nursing tasks such as blood glucose checks and vital signs, reporting changes in patient status, providing patient and family education under RN direction, and adhering to safety procedures.

Will I have access to medications as a Patient Care Technician?

Access to medications for a Patient Care Technician is limited to the distribution of medication to the nurse only; they are not authorized to administer medications themselves.

What kind of work environment can I expect in the 3B Step-Down Unit?

The work environment is dynamic and collaborative, focusing on providing exceptional patient care in a supportive and fast-paced healthcare setting. PCTs work closely with nursing staff and contribute to a team-oriented atmosphere.

What is the significance of this role in the healthcare career ladder at UPMC?

The Patient Care Technician is a vital step in UPMC's Patient Care Support Career Ladder, providing opportunities for growth and advancement within the healthcare field based on education and experience.

Are there any specific safety protocols I need to follow as a PCT?

Yes, adherence to all patient care policies and safety procedures is paramount. This includes following proper documentation protocols and ensuring patient safety at all times.

What is the hiring policy regarding equal opportunity at UPMC?

UPMC is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate based on disability or veteran status, ensuring that all candidates have equal opportunities regardless of their background.

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A $23 billion health care provider and insurer, Pittsburgh-based UPMC is inventing new models of patient-centered, cost-effective, accountable care. The largest nongovernmental employer in Pennsylvania, UPMC integrates 92,000 employees, 40 hospitals, 700 doctors’ offices and outpatient sites, and a 4 million-member Insurance Services Division, the largest medical insurer in western Pennsylvania. In the most recent fiscal year, UPMC contributed $1.4 billion in benefits to its communities, including more care to the region’s most vulnerable citizens than any other health care institution, and paid more than $800 million in federal, state, and local taxes. Working in close collaboration with the University of Pittsburgh Schools of the Health Sciences, UPMC shares its clinical, managerial, and technological skills worldwide through its innovation and commercialization arm, UPMC Enterprises, and through UPMC International. U.S. News & World Report consistently ranks UPMC Presbyterian Shadyside among the nation’s best hospitals in many specialties and ranks UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh on its Honor Roll of America’s Best Children’s Hospitals.